“Recently many changes have happened in the Newark community – how do you feel about them? Do you think they are a step in the right direction?”

Omar Valdiva

Biology, Class of 2019

“So I haven’t been too exposed to the entire Newark community, but I feel that there are promising changes going on, particularly with young entrepreneurs. You see most often in a city that is down-trodden and poor, a lot of people come because they see opportunity there, they see chance. Another big thing I’m excited about is Whole Foods, along with a lot of schools involving their students in organic farms, which not only teaches them the value of growing something and maintaining life, but also supplying the community with healthy food.”

Gina Fernandes

Chemistry, Class of 2017

“In this area, I would say it’s getting better, but not so much overall. I would say it’s being gentrified because of the businesses opening up on Broad Street.”

Divyesh Rana

Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2017

“It’s pretty good, I guess. Compared to the previous two years that I have been here, it’s been dull. Being a vegetarian, there aren’t many options, so having a tofu stand here now is pretty good.”

Abhishek Sakariya

Mechanical Engineering, class of 2017

“I’ve been here for the last two years, and everything is the same, so I don’t really see any changes!”

Mehnaz Mursalat

Chemical Engineering, PhD

“To be very honest, when I came here like two years ago, I [would get] all of these emails: there have been murders taking place, so-and-so got mugged, stuff like that. Recently I think that the rate of alert emails have decreased, so I would assume that things are getting better. From the decrease in those emails, I can pretty much sense that things are headed for the better. I don’t think we should lose hope!”